Well, we couldn't manage to leave all the adventure in CO and had to make some of our own this morning. I'll tell the full story later, but here's a teaser.

Dunno if it was luck, my mad skills, or the death grip of my sphincter on the seat, but we somehow didn't crash when hitting a big piece of 4x4" lumber at ~75mph in KS. Still trying to get home. Inconvenienced but healthy. Some ADV riders from Tulsa (@Dirt2007 and @FatBob) are enroute to get us.

Similar thing happened to me 4 years ago in NM......Mini Van hit a 6" rock on the side of the road....skidded it across the lane and my 950 front rim t-boned it. But heck.....mine was able to take the beating from a sledge hammer and got me home......where Woody laced me a new hoop.

Man oh man....bro..... glad you kept her up and didn't throw your gal into traffic.

DirtyDog - Buy a lottery ticket. Wow I don't know how you could keep it up with that.
On my way back home to New Mexico Hwy 285 was closed for a while. I don't know want happened. They detoured us around the accident, but at least 6 ambulances were dispatched. The stretch of road north of Alamosa is know as the gun barrel .

We now know that it was a stick of tractor trailer "cribbing". Basically a lumber 4x4". We were in light traffic at speed, probably doing 75-ish, but I'll confirm from my gps later. Following a car in the left lane as we overtook some other vehicles in the right lane. Just N of Wichita on the interstate.

In an instant, the car in front of us brakes, but doesn't swerve and from under their car emerges a giant piece of lumber and lots of wood fragments. It was perpendicular to the lane and we didn't really have the time or space to do anything. I braked a bit and basically just hit it square. Based on the damage, we likely jumped and landed. A bit of a death-wobble ensued and it was clear we had a front flat. It was fairly violent handling, but I kept composure and checked my blind spot before merging across the lanes to the right shoulder while applying rear brake.

Got it nearly stopped and the bike basically pitched us off the right side into the grass. Basically an off-balance clumsy drop because the front rim had seized up. We rolled clear of the bike, thankfully, and both of us jumped up to check on the other. No injuries.

Witness in the car behind us stopped immediately to lend aid and was amazed we didn't crash. He helped me right the bike and I put it on the side stand. The car in front of us had pulled off on the left shoulder and we soon realized that two additional cars had left the roadway in front of them. Maybe a 3-car and one bike transaction here.

Once the bike was upright, I was able to assess the real damage. Massively broken front rim that instantly deflated. Broken rim took out one of the brake calipers. The front tire was basically spinning while the rim was seized, hence the shitty handling. Dented the header and took out some of the lower plastics. The bail-off resulted in a broken mirror and some scratches.

Cops were amazed that we were unscathed. Guess I am too. They relayed the details on the car pictured above. They broke two rims and got towed. The additional two vehicles must have been fine because they left the scene.

We called AMA roadside assistance for a tow to Wichita where I arranged an ADV evacuation. Call for tow was at 9:30am. Tow arrived at 12:30pm. Stood in the heat on the hwy for 2 hrs before the cops offered to drop us at a truck stop for some AC.

Cops were amazed that we were unscathed. Guess I am too. They relayed the details on the car pictured above. They broke two rims and got towed. The additional two vehicles must have been fine because they left the scene.

Getting the AMA tow was quite frustrating. They sent the driver to the wrong place in the wrong direction, canceled him, tried to find someone closer, then re-hired him. 3 hr process. Cops on the scene let us sit in the box for a bit of AC, but eventually they had to get back to work and dropped us at a truck stop. Meanwhile, @FatBob and @Dirt2007, two good friends from Tulsa, mobilized with a truck, trailer, come-a-long, and the necessary gear to get us home.

And I thought I had it rough "accidentally" taking the big GS over Taylor pass lol. I only broke off the shifter tip and lost two signal lenses.

Was fun to catch up with some of the TTPC crew and make an unofficially visit to WestFest as it was very last minute trip to get some tires in Northern Colorado, too close not to throw the bike on the truck.

I can say I DON'T recommend Taylor Pass on a big boxer, but if you must I would suggest coming from Aspen so at least you can go down river:)

Buffalo pass is so much more enjoyable.

Great time had meeting old and new friends for a couple hours. Till next time.

Wow DirtyDog glad you guys are ok. Made it home to GA at around 3am. 32 hours, but it did include a couple of rest area naps along the way. My thanks to all for making a (former) noob feel very welcome in the family of ADV riders and especially the Colorodans who welcomed all off us "outsiders" to experience and enjoy the beauty that you live with on a daily basis. I'm sure you realize how lucky you are! Can't wait for next year!

I want to keep the donation recipient private.....but this is from the Single Mom who's basement flooded and was unable to attend West Fest and several of you purchased TShirts to help her out.......

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! John!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you SERIOUS?!?!?!?

I am in tears right now! That is the kindest thing that anyone has ever done for me! I don't know what to say! I am in shock right now........

I am so incredibly blessed to have such amazing, caring, good hearted, badass friends in my life! This shows me that ADVriders and this group of people have the biggest heart and I couldn't be more blessed to be a part of such an outstanding tribe! You all are not just my friends you are my Brothers, my Sisters.

Thank you doesn't even begin to express my gratitude.

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Glad to help, and yes I do feel part of the tribe thanks to all of you guys!